BUSIA- Students of Busitema University remained stranded at the campus on Monday as non-teaching staff joined their colleagues from other public universities countrywide to withdraw their services over government’s failure to fulfill its earlier pledge to increase their salaries.
The Students who had turned up to pick provisional admission forms were seen loitering at the campus as the registrar’s offices remained locked.
Through their umbrella organisation, “the Public Universities Non-Teaching Staff Executive Forum,” the staff say government has failed to fulfill its earlier promise to increase their salary in the 2016/2017 Budget.
The forum’s chairperson, Mr. Eriya Ntaga, said they have opted for the industrial action in advance till they get a response from the government.
“We the Busitema university non-teaching staff have resolved to lay down our tools with effect from today (August 1) until government enhances our salaries” he said.
“To that effect all the staff are advised not to turn up for duty and any defiant staff will face disciplinary action from the forum.’’ Mr. Ntaga added.
By press time on Tuesday, all faculties and lecture rooms remained locked, most students and lecturers were still stranded. Police took charge of the institution.
Inconvenienced
Ms Doreen Nafula, a new student who had come to pick an admission form after being offered a place at Agro-processing faculty, expressed concern over the industrial action.
“The action may make me lose my scholarship. The organisation sponsoring us wants our admissions by Friday, to enable them process tuition.” Ms Nafula lamented.
“I came here on Friday and the administration promised that our admissions would be ready on Monday but I was shocked to be welcomed by padlocks on reaching the Campus.’’ Ms Nafula said.
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